IN A QUIET PLACE
By reluctanteunuch
Wed, 15 Sep 2004
- 649 reads
IN A
QUIET PLACE
Jenny loved the energy of the city. The constant hustle
and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing tapestry of the
streets.
She could never imagine settling for the life of a
country idyll with only gentle farm noises and the tinkling of church
bells to intrude..
The journey from London to the Hampshire hamlet of
Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted to
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> "jump ship" without
inspecting her inheritance.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her widowed father
had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept her sane for the
four-hour expedition.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor
and after the Great War travelled the new Europe.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
Her sporadic letters home revealed she had married an
Italian Count and had settled in Rome but after Mussolini rise to power
they decided to flee to Edna's homeland.
business importing fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
Tales of raucous parties tinged with regular lashings
of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended his Victorian
sensibilities and cut her out of his life.
horrors of the Blitz by moving to the country and bought Enfold House
for the peace and tranquillity it offered in abundance.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
Tom, Jenny's father, heard nothing of his impenitent
sibling until he read the Counts obituary in the Times followed days
later by that of Edna.
As her last surviving relative Tom inherited Enfold
House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out of the
city and
left it in the hands of his sisters faithful retainers.
0pt">
Three years later a crash on the newly opened M25
claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting with his
creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to raise much
needed capital had been discussed.
was now in Jennie's hands and as the train purred through Sussex and
into Hampshire she had to admit to a feeling of excitement.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to miss a beat .Her
apprehension was heightened when a figure emerged from the wood and strode
toward her.
"Miss Benet?" he asked in a mellow country accent.
0pt">
" Yes I'm
Jenny Bennet .How did you know?"
have visitors to the house
and your solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim
.Tim Watson .My parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go
into town so I said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and
welcoming
as they set off through the wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping
through the treetops.
The conversation flowed so easily that Jenny almost forgot
the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt. The trees melted into
the background as if by magic and Tim announced theatrically" There she
is. Enfold House ma'am."
But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at his Hollywood
style introduction for before her lay the house of her dreams.
0pt">
As a child
she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy palace in a
secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of laughter
.She would imagine herself running free among the many brightly lit
rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful every time she
opened a door.
But
there was always one room, which was locked. No matter how
many times she had the dream that one room remained
inaccessible
and when she woke tears would trickle down her cheeks.
The dream faded as she grew older but
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> returned
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> after her father died
and Enfold. became hers.
Now she knew why. For here was her fairy palace. The
palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret .
0pt">
"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You look as if you've
seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as she shook herself
from her reverie
.
." Yes I'm fine thanks. Its just?well
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> it's just
beautiful"
" I love coming here .My friends think I'm stupid
wanting to come down here in my spare time but they don't understand.
Its like an old friend always greets you with open arms. Always there
for me. Your great Aunt loved it here .They were so happy her and the
Count but?" Tim left the sentence unfinished.
asked
"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm daft"
going to say"
"Well it was my parents really who noticed it. They got
to know them
well obviously .They
looked after
them for years of course but especially my mum said
despite all the laughter and fun they had ,the parties
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> the many friends
they'd accumulated over the years there was always that certain
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> something .A sadness
about them.
Mum said that often when they thought noone was around
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> you would hear them
sobbing .Just gentle cries but of real heart breaking grief. Then they would
come out of the room lock the door behind them and
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> be full of life once
again.
Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows where the key is
and was made
to promise by your great aunt that only her next of kin was allowed to
enter the room."
Jenny felt herself swaying with
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> the emotion of Tim's
story and was glad of his steadying arm.
us a cup of coffee until mum and dad get back"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be arranged .I have
the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off holding it high
above his head
laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with him.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
Tim's hilarious tales of his uni.escapades
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> were interrupted by
the sound of crunching gravel as his parents returned from there
shopping expedition.
There welcome was just as amiable as Tim's and hardly
batted an eyelid at the nearly empty cabinet.
thunderbolt Jack,Tims father announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got
something to show you
its?"
"Its al right dad I've already told her."
annoyance crossed Jacks face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
The tour along narrow corridors thronged with
Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen took
them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with elegance
and style.
Tim and Jenny were now on the upper floor and it seemed
to her that they had seen all there was to see when the creak of a
floorboard mad e her look round.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
"Are you ready for this Jenny"
she noticed a heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to
one side to reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
The door protested on its hinges as it crept open and
Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret room.
much more compact than any of the others. Three sides were taken with
photographs some brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy
seaside days others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army
uniforms but nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much
unhappiness to her great aunt and the Count.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
It was of a child whose face was so full of life and
laughter that Jenny could almost hear her. She was probably no older than 5 years old
and the artist had caught her sparkling eyes and the light illuminating
her blonde curls that it bought tears to her eyes but it was the
discovery of spent candles underneath the picture which slotted
everything into place.
The room was a shrine. A shrine to a dead child whose
life and laughter had once e filled the life of her aunt and uncle .W
hose death they had mourned for the rest of there lives.
0pt">
Jenny returned to London the next day her mind filled
with a hundred questions none of which she could answer. Jack knew
nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that had plagued his
employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the answer Enfold
would never be at peace?and neither would she.
0pt">
The city had lost its sparkle for Jenny now as her
thoughts constantly went back to that sad mausoleum
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> .She had been back a
week and had returned to her job as a legal executive. As she entered
her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope in unfamiliar
writing caught her attention.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her pre legal days
Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library headquarters at
Collingdale which held archives of every know world newspaper.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
They met as arranged on the steps of the library.
0pt">
"What's this all about?" Jenny asked.
0pt">
"Well I'm as curious as you about that child anyway
I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and found 2 very
interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I hope"
0pt">
"Vested interest what do you mean"
0pt">
"Later " he replied with that mischievous grin which
she found so attractive.
Tim showed his university library pass to the attendant
on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were led to large
wooden table.
The attendant brought a huge hard back folder to them
and Tim gently leafed through the fragile pages until he stepped to one
side guiding Jenny to an item on page 5 of the London Standard for
November 17th 1944.
reported of Miss Anna Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count
Anton Caprielli and his grieving wife the Countess Edna.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
It seems the family had been to Messrs.Bonhams the
esteemed portrait painters on Bond Street to capture there daughter on
canvas prior to moving from the capital to the country for there
child's safety.
Unfortunately in the excitement of the moment dear Anna
stepped off the kerb into the path of a fire engine answering an
emergency. She never recovered from her injuries."
0pt">
From those few poignant words Jenny felt the pain and
loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over half a
century.
She closed the book and glanced at Tim but words were
inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and gently led her
out into the early evening crowds.
going?"She said
"That's the second surprise "
drained to argue as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once
more toward Enfold.
90 minutes later they were driving up the gravel path
of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took her hand and led
her deep into the wood.
The couple stopped on the edge of a clearing and Jenny
saw a low grey bricked building which in former days had obviously been
a chapel of some description.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old chapel that had
probably been used for the original owners but had fallen into
disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it demolished to
make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the house.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led her to the
chapel.
He continued" I discovered it the day after you left.
It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the men from the
village to help me clear the area and this is what we found."
0pt">
They had stopped at the rear of the chapel and in the
middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone with a freshly
placed vase of flowers.
Jenny stooped to read the inscription." To our little
angel.Anna.We'll meet again in heaven"
that day tears coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he
to was struggling to keep his emotions.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
The three months since their poignant discovery had
been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love and care that
Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and restore the house
to peace had touched Jenny deeply.
that her father never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna.
She certainly didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading
Tim's parents to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could
hear of Anna to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for November
17th has been preplanned to celebrate Anna's
short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another life
was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument
about the name of course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and
the new Anna the softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still
night air from that quiet place behind the chapel.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT:
medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.75pt
solid">
IN A
QUIET PLACE
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy
of the city. The constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the
ever-changing tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; BORDER-LEFT:
medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.75pt
solid">
IN A
QUIET PLACE
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy
of the city. The constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the
ever-changing tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP:
medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium
none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt:
0in 0in 1.0pt 0in">IN A QUIET PLACE
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny loved the energy of the city. The
constant hustle and bustle, teeming crowds and the ever-changing
tapestry of the streets. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She could never
imagine settling for the life of a country idyll with only gentle farm
noises and the tinkling of church bells to intrude.. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The journey from London to the Hampshire
hamlet of Enfold was tedious and several times had been tempted
to "jump ship"
without inspecting her inheritance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was the stories her
widowed father had told her about the mysterious Aunt Edna that kept
her sane for the four-hour expedition. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Edna was father's sister who ran away
from home aged just 16. Any worries her distraught family had about her
were heightened when they learnt she was nursing wounded soldiers on
the front during the battle of the Somme. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But she was a survivor and after the
Great War travelled the new Europe. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her sporadic letters
home revealed she had married an Italian Count and had settled in Rome
but after Mussolini rise to power they decided to flee to Edna's
homeland.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here they set up a business importing
fine Italian wines for the English aristocracy. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tales of raucous parties tinged with
regular lashings of scandal reached her fathers ears but they offended
his Victorian sensibilities and cut her out of his life. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They escaped the horrors of the Blitz by
moving to the country and bought Enfold House for the peace and
tranquillity it offered in abundance. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tom, Jenny's father,
heard nothing of his impenitent sibling until he read the Counts
obituary in the Times followed days later by that of
Edna.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As her last surviving relative Tom
inherited Enfold House but, like his daughter, disliked venturing out
of the city
and left it in the hands of his sisters faithful
retainers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Three years later a crash on the newly
opened M25 claimed Toms life as he returned to London from a meeting
with his creditors where the probability of selling Enfold House to
raise much needed capital had been discussed. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The future of Enfold was now in Jennie's
hands and as the train purred through Sussex and into Hampshire she had
to admit to a feeling of excitement. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tiny station at Enfold consists of a
single platform surrounded by trees through which the line to
Southampton runs. Jenny hardly had time to get used to the silence when
a loud crack similar to that of a shotgun class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">caused her heart to
miss a beat .Her apprehension was heightened when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> a figure emerged from
the wood and strode toward her. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Miss Benet?" he asked
in a mellow country accent. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" Yes I'm style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Jenny Bennet .How did
you know?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The train only stops when we have visitors to the
house and your
solicitor said you would be down today.. I'm Tim .Tim Watson .My
parents have been looking after Enfold .They had to go into town so I
said I'd meet you." His smile was reassuring and welcoming style="mso-spacerun: yes"> as they set off
through the
wood amidst freckled sunlight peeping through the
treetops.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The conversation style="mso-spacerun: yes"> flowed so easily that
Jenny almost forgot the purpose of her journey as Tim came to a halt.
The trees melted into the background as if by magic and Tim announced
theatrically" There she is. Enfold House ma'am." class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But Jenny was to awe struck to laugh at
his Hollywood style introduction for before her lay the house of her
dreams.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a child she had dreamt many times of a hidden fairy
palace in a secret wood .The palace was always alive with the sound of
laughter .She would imagine herself running free among the many
brightly lit rooms exploring each one and finding something wonderful
every time she opened a door. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">But style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always one
room, which was locked. No matter how many times she had the dream that
one room remained inaccessible and when she woke tears would trickle down
her cheeks.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The dream faded as she grew older
but
returned
after her father died and Enfold. became
hers.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Now she knew why. For here was her fairy
palace. The palace of
laughter
and
light but which held a dark secret . class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny .Jenny are you all right. You
look as if you've seen a ghost" Tim had his hand gently on her arm as
she shook herself from her reverie . style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">." Yes I'm fine
thanks. Its just?well
it's just beautiful" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I love coming here
.My friends think I'm stupid wanting to come down here in my spare time
but they don't understand. Its like an old friend always greets you
with open arms. Always there for me. Your great Aunt loved it here
.They were so happy her and the Count but?" Tim left the sentence
unfinished.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Go on but what?" Jenny asked class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Oh nothing .you probably think I'm
daft"
"No please
finish what you were going to say"
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well it was my parents really who
noticed it. They got to know them well obviously .They style="mso-spacerun: yes"> looked after style="mso-spacerun: yes"> them for years of
course but especially my mum said despite all the laughter and fun they
had ,the parties
the many friends they'd accumulated over the years style="mso-spacerun: yes"> there was always that
certain
something .A sadness about them. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Mum said that often when style="mso-spacerun: yes"> they thought noone was
around you
would hear them sobbing .Just gentle cries but of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> real heart breaking
grief. Then they would come out of the room lock the door behind them
and be full of
life once again.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Noone was ever let in. Only dad knows
where the key is and
was made to promise by your great aunt style="mso-spacerun: yes"> that only her next of
kin was allowed to enter the room." style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny felt herself
swaying with
the emotion of Tim's story and was glad of his steadying
arm.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Look why don't I make us a cup of
coffee until mum and dad get back" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I need something a
bit stronger " she replied style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">" I think that can be
arranged .I have the key to the drinks cabinet " he said running off
holding it high above his head laughing as Jenny struggled to keep up with
him.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim's hilarious tales of his
uni.escapades
were interrupted by the sound of crunching gravel as his
parents returned from there shopping expedition. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There welcome was just as amiable as
Tim's and hardly batted an eyelid at the nearly empty
cabinet.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Then like a thunderbolt Jack,Tims father
announced
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Jenny I've got something to show
you
its?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Its al right dad I've already told
her."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A brief flash of annoyance crossed Jacks
face .
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">". Has Tim shown you the rest of the
house?"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The tour along narrow corridors thronged
with Mediterranean statues and portraits of long dead Italian noblemen
took them into rooms filled with furniture of another age but with
elegance and style.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim and Jenny were now on the upper
floor and it seemed to her that they had seen all there was to see when
the creak of a floorboard mad e her look round. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jack approached holding a key
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Are you ready for this
Jenny"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only then that she noticed a
heavy velvet curtain hanging on the wall Jack moved it to one side to
reveal a door that looked in need of a few coats of
paint.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The door protested on its hinges as it
crept open and Jenny stood on the threshold of her secret
room.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a small room much more compact
than any of the others. Three sides were taken with photographs some
brown with age others in brass frames. Some of happy seaside days
others of austere Victorians, grim faced men in army uniforms but
nothing which Jenny could see would cause so much unhappiness to her
great aunt and the Count. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was only as she was
preparing to leave mystified and not a little disappointed that she
noticed the portrait.
class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It was of a child
whose face was so full of life and laughter that Jenny could almost
hear her. She
was probably no older than 5 years old and the artist had caught her
sparkling eyes and the light illuminating her blonde curls that it
bought tears to her eyes but it was the discovery of spent candles
underneath the picture which slotted everything into
place.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The room was a shrine. A shrine to a
dead child whose life and laughter had once e filled the life of her
aunt and uncle .W hose death they had mourned for the rest of there
lives.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny returned to London the next day
her mind filled with a hundred questions none of which she could
answer. Jack knew nothing that could throw light on the tragedy that
had plagued his employer's lives but she knew that until she knew the
answer Enfold would never be at peace?and neither would
she.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The city had lost its
sparkle for Jenny now as her thoughts constantly went back to that sad
mausoleum .She
had been back a week and had returned to her job as a legal executive.
As she entered her flat and picked up the mail a handwritten envelope
in unfamiliar writing caught her attention. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Ripping it open she read. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Sorry for the
surprise hope it's not unpleasant. Can you meet me at Collingdale tomorrow
after work? Take care Tim" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As a researcher in her
pre legal days Jenny was more than familiar with the British Library
headquarters at Collingdale which held archives of every know world
newspaper.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They met as arranged on the steps of the
library.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"What's this all about?" Jenny
asked.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Well I'm as curious as you about that
child anyway I've got a vested interest. I ve been some snooping and
found 2 very interesting clues which 'll provide the answers?I
hope"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Vested interest what do you
mean"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Later " he replied with that
mischievous grin which she found so attractive. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Tim showed his university library pass
to the attendant on the door of "Newspapers. London 1944" and they were
led to large wooden table. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The attendant brought
a huge hard back folder to them and Tim gently leafed through the
fragile pages until he stepped to one side guiding Jenny to an item on
page 5 of the London Standard for November 17th
1944.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"The sad death is reported of Miss Anna
Caprielli daughter of his excellency the Count Anton Caprielli and his
grieving wife the Countess Edna. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">It seems the family
had been to Messrs.Bonhams the esteemed portrait painters on Bond
Street to capture there daughter on canvas prior to moving from the
capital to the country for there child's safety. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Unfortunately in the
excitement of the moment dear Anna stepped off the kerb into the path
of a fire engine answering an emergency. She never recovered from her
injuries."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">From those few poignant words Jenny felt
the pain and loss Aunt Edna and her Uncle must have endured for over
half a century.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She closed the book and glanced at Tim
but words were inadequate as he puts his comforting arms around her and
gently led her out into the early evening crowds. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"Where are we going?"She said
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"That's the second surprise "
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">She was to emotionally drained to argue
as they left the city and drove west along the M4 once more toward
Enfold.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">90 minutes later they were driving up
the gravel path of Enfold house but instead of going inside. Tim took
her hand and led her deep into the wood. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The couple stopped on the edge of a
clearing and Jenny saw a low grey bricked building which in former days
had obviously been a chapel of some description. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">"When I was researching the newspaper
archives I came across some plans your aunt and uncle had probably
drawn up for there new home. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">One map showed an old
chapel that had probably been used for the original owners but had
fallen into disrepair. It looks as if the count was going to have it
demolished to make way for a safe play area for Anna away from the
house.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Once again Tim took Jenny's hand and led
her to the chapel.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">He continued" I discovered it the day
after you left. It was covered in undergrowth .I got a couple of the
men from the village to help me clear the area and this is what we
found."
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">They had stopped at the rear of the
chapel and in the middle of the newly cut grass was a simple gravestone
with a freshly placed vase of flowers. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Jenny stooped to read
the inscription." To our little angel.Anna.We'll meet again in
heaven"
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For the second time that day tears
coursed down Jenny's cheeks and as she looked at Tim he to was
struggling to keep his emotions. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The three months since their poignant
discovery had been a whirlwind of emotion of a different kind. The love
and care that Tim had shown in helping to reveal Anna's story and
restore the house to peace had touched Jenny deeply. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Her only regret was that her father
never saw the beauty of Enfold and never knew of Anna. She certainly
didn't regret leaving her life in the city or persuading Tim's parents
to invest in Enfold House and open it so the world could hear of Anna
to.
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The barbeque for
November 17th has been preplanned to celebrate
Anna's short life but as Jenny had discovered earlier that day another
life was beginning .Tim was ecstatic at the news especially as the scan
revealed the new arrival would be a girl. class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">There was no argument about the name of
course and as the party drank a toast to Enfold and the new Anna the
softness of a child's laughter drifted on the still night air from that
quiet place behind the chapel. style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt"> style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in
0pt">
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